Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold flavors and restaurant-style dishes that are simple to make at home, Bang Bang Salmon will become a new favorite. Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, this dish pairs tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s absolutely addictive. The salmon is lightly seasoned and either baked, grilled, or pan-seared, then coated (or drizzled) with the signature bang bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can serve the salmon over rice, tucked in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables. I once tried air-frying the salmon instead of baking, and it turned out perfectly crisp while staying juicy inside. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a dish that feels a little special, this salmon is guaranteed to impress.
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Bang Bang Salmon
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth.
- Remove salmon from oven and spoon bang bang sauce generously over each fillet.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil salmon for 1–2 minutes after adding the sauce.
- You can also pan-sear salmon instead of baking for a faster meal.
- Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillets
Fresh, skin-on fillets work best for flavor and texture.
Olive oil
Helps crisp the salmon and prevents sticking.
Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings to bring out the salmon’s natural flavor.
Garlic powder (optional)
Adds depth of flavor to the fish before cooking.
Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce
Adds sweetness and tang to balance the spice.
Sriracha
Provides heat—you can adjust depending on spice preference.
Honey (optional)
For extra sweetness and balance if desired.
Green onions or sesame seeds (optional)
Perfect for garnish and added freshness.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high.
Pat salmon fillets dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the skillet. Cook for 12–15 minutes in the oven, or 4–5 minutes per side in the skillet, until salmon is flaky and cooked through (145°F / 63°C internal temperature).
While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.
Once salmon is done, drizzle or brush generously with bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment needed
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 12–15 minutes, making the total time about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the air fryer to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the salmon. Extra sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
Cook salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then drizzle with sauce.
Bang Bang Salmon Tacos
Flake salmon into tortillas, top with sauce, slaw, and avocado.
Spicy Bang Bang Salmon
Add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper for more heat.
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Serve over rice with steamed broccoli and edamame for a full meal.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang Sauce
Add honey and garlic to the sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Bang Bang Salmon Sliders
Serve salmon chunks on slider buns with lettuce and extra sauce.
Bang Bang Salmon Lettuce Wraps
Use lettuce cups instead of rice for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free Version
Ensure your chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free.
Cream Cheese Twist
Mix cream cheese into the sauce for a thicker, richer spread.
Asian-Inspired Garnish
Top with sesame seeds, pickled ginger, or cilantro for extra flair.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is the sauce very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, grill skin-side down for about 6–7 minutes, then flip and cook 2–3 minutes more.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes, it makes the sauce lighter but still creamy.
What side dishes pair best with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use this sauce on other proteins?
Absolutely—it’s great on shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Do I have to keep the skin on?
No, but leaving the skin helps keep the salmon moist during cooking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook the salmon fresh, but the sauce can be made 3–5 days in advance.
Can I double the sauce recipe?
Yes, it’s delicious as a dipping sauce for veggies or fries.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is a bold, flavorful dish that takes a simple salmon fillet and elevates it with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or alongside fresh vegetables, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious—and sure to become a weeknight favorite.
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